What's New
Activities
Hong Kong and Chicago forge ahead with closer ties
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Donald Tong, welcomed the many growing ties between Hong Kong and Chicago, the largest city in the state of Illinois, at a Spring Reception on February 2 (Chicago time). Affirming the strengthening of Hong Kong-Chicago ties, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, in a letter on the festive reception, commended the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), New York, for its commitment to enhancing the economic relationship between the two places. Details here
University students show keen interest in Hong Kong
The university students joining the Chinese New Year reception in New York today (January 27, New York Time) have expressed keen interest in Hong Kong and the work by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETO), and the HKETO will engage them in various activities and events of interest to them in future. Details here.
Bumper trade growth shows ever closer ties between US and Hong Kong
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Donald Tong, said the spectacular trade growth figures recorded in the past two years only showed the ever growing closer US and Hong Kong ties. Details here.
Hong Kong film to be screened in Chicago
Love abounds in heart-warming and award winning movie "Crossing Hennessy"
As part of a program to celebrate the Lunar New Year, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York presents "Crossing Hennessy" in Chicago Cultural Center on February 2, 2012.
Starring Jacky Cheung,Tang Wei, Paw Hee Ching, the romantic comedy film was directed by Ivy Ho who also wrote the screenplay. The movie won the Best Screenplay and the Film of Merit in the 2O11 Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards.
Movie trailer here
Dragon boat races end with a charity note
Representatives of dragon boat racing teams and beneficiary organisations gathered in New York Economic and Trade Office for a check presentation ceremony on 16 November. Details here.
Winning photo highlights Dragon Boat Festival spirits
Ms. Anita Chan, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York presented award to the winner, Ruo Ru He, of the 8th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York Photo Contest on 31 October. Details here.
Bryant students learn about Hong Kong’s unique role as China's global financial center
Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Anita Chan spoke on the city’s premier role as China's global financial center at Bryant University in Rhode Island on October 25. Details here.
Hong Kong Cup Chinese Speech Contest
Three students won the inaugural Hong Kong Cup Chinese Speech Contest held at Asia Society on October 8, 2011. Details here.
Announcements
Hong Kong Tops the World Economic Forum’s Financial Development Report 2011
Hong Kong tops the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Financial Development Report 2011 for the first time, up from fourth in 2010. According to the WEF Financial Development Report released December 13, 2011, Hong Kong has overtaken the United States and the United Kingdom to take the top spot with a score of 5.16 on a scale of 1 to 7. Details here
A Chicago Tradition, Garrett Popcorn Shops Opens Its First Store in Hong Kong
Garrett Popcorn Shops from Chicago opened its first store in Hong Kong’s IFC Mall on October 24. For more than 60 years, Garrett Popcorn Shops has been dedicated to serving fine, handcrafted gourmet popcorn with a focus on great customer service. Details here.
Record High Number of Overseas and Mainland China Companies with Regional Headquarter Based in
Hong Kong
The total number of overseas and Mainland Chinese parent companies running business operations in Hong Kong recorded its highest level to date with 6,948 companies, a 5.9 percent increase from 2010, according to an annual survey released today by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD). Details here.
“Hong Kong 2010” Yearbook Now Also an iPad App
The Information Services Department (ISD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government launched a new iPad application (App) for the Government’s latest yearbook, “Hong Kong 2010". Details here.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Delivers 2011-12 Policy Address
On October 12, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Donald Tsang, delivered his final Policy Address of the Third Term HKSAR Government. Providing affordable housing, helping the elderly, improving living standards, and enhancing competitiveness were among the main issues addressed. Details here.
Hong Kong Government Appointments
Stephen Lam has been appointed Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, replacing Henry Tang who has resigned. The Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Raymond Tam, will replace Mr. Lam as Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs. Details here.
Hong Kong Government Welcomes Google’s Plan to Set-up Data Center
The Hong Kong government welcomed Google’s announcement today of its plan to build a data center in Hong Kong. It believes that Google could leverage Hong Kong’s competitive edge to further enhance its business in the region. Details here.
Fair Winds Charter signed for cleaner air
Seventeen freight liners have signed up to the Fair Winds Charter and committed themselves to switching to cleaner fuel when berthing in Hong Kong. This will cut emissions of air pollutants substantially near the port area. Details here.
Hong Kong Remains World’s Freest Economy
Hong Kong remains the world’s freest economy according to the findings of the Economic Freedom of the World: 2011 Annual Report released today by the Cato Institute and published by Canada’s Fraser Institute. This marks the 15th consecutive year Hong Kong has topped the ranking. Details here.
Visits
Director fosters closer ties with Georgia and South Carolina
Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Ms. Anita Chan, visited Atlanta (GA) and Columbia (SC) on December 6 and 7 to foster closer ties. Details here.
Chief Executive forges closer ties
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Donald Tsang, visited the cities of New York, Boston and Washington en route to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2011 CEO Summit and APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Honolulu. Details here
C, USA visited Kentucky and Indiana Oct 18 & 19 to promote HK's gateway position. Details here.
Financial Secretary visits New York, D.C. and Chicago (Sep 19 -27)
Hong Kong Financial Secretary John C. Tsang made a nine-day visit in New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago to forge stronger trade ties between Hong Kong and the United States from September 19 to 27. In New York City on the first leg of his visit, Mr. Tsang met with prominent figures from financial institutions and business and financial communities. Details here.
Videos
Funding & Schemes
Implementation Framework of "Scheme HK$6,000"
Resources
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